ORGANS' DONATION AND IDENTY CULTURE

Abstract

This is a qualitative study conducted with 92 mapuche patients at the Temuco Hospital during 1997. Its purpose was to explore the mapuche opinión about transplants and organs' donation. Data showed that most of mapuche patients disagreed with this procedure. These patients supported their opinión within their cultural framework which impedes mapuche to be subject of this kind of procedures. The patients who agreed with transplants and organs' donation mentioned that this procedure should be conducted only with their kin and other mapuche persons. Data from this study would be the first step to a better comprehension of the relationship between ethic and culture.